Armidale Regional Council last week determined to recover outstanding unpaid rates and or charges totalling $857,380.95.

Council Administrator Ian Tiley said 79 properties were involved, with rates outstanding for five years or more.

“The former Council had not conducted sales for overdue rates since 2002,” Dr Tiley said.

“This is very unfair for the vast majority of ratepayers who do the right thing and pay their rates. I felt compelled to act on behalf of the community to commence the process to recover as much of the debt as possible.

“The primary objective in selling lands for unpaid rates is to secure good ratepayers even if this means writing off some of the debt.” 

He said this would improve Council’s liquidity and could assist in reducing reliance on the use of bank overdrafts.

Council would like to remind the community that if they have any outstanding debt to Council please pay immediately or speak to a member of our finance team to discuss payment options if you are experiencing financial difficulty.

Please call Council on 1300 136 833 or visit either the Armidale or Guyra Offices.